Abstract (in English)

This paper compiles (sums up) the different reports presented during the 2013 AIMA(Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology)Conference Workshop and also gives a transcription of round-table debates about the question of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). The main issue of that document is the importance of UCH. It deals with the importance of a world-wide ratification of the 2001 UNESCO, "Convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage". The benefits of the ratification for several countries are listed ( Tanzania, South Africa, Belgium, Spain). The Netherlands are about to ratify the Convention.
The specific case of Australia is evoked, it has not ratify yet that document which is paradoxical given its implication in the elaboration of the Convention.
The aim of that conference workshop is to encourage Australia to ratify UNESCO 2001 in order to be able to protect its underwater cultural heritage.